The City of Alexandria will host the 17th Annual Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr., on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. This year’s theme, "Teach (Green), Learn (Green), Live (Green),” promotes public education and outreach about green living in order to ensure a green and sustainable future for all, in keeping with the goals of the Eco-City Alexandria initiative.

The event features City agencies, organizations, and individuals dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. This year, Alexandria City Public Schools will participate and display school activities and projects that help to make Alexandria an Eco-City; the 2010 Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented; and exhibitors will provide environmental educational activities for the whole family.

Other activities include the Annual Earth Day Tree Sale; the Plastic Bag Recycling Collection Award Presentation with Senator Patsy Ticer; live acoustic music by Ted Hovis and classic rock music by the band, The Road; the Arbor Day tree planting; and a performance by Blue Sky Puppets. There will also be a Green Home Workshop; a guided bike tour along Holmes Run; live animal exhibits; and a used book and media items collection. Food and beverages will be sold.

The event is sponsored by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Department of Transportation and Environmental Services; and Environmental Policy Commission.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be relocated to the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, located at 435 Ferdinand Day Drive. For more information on Earth Day, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or the Special Events Office at 703.746.5418.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Maureen Sturgill at 703.746.5418 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail Maureen.sturgill@alexandriava.gov.